The Edmonton Oilers have signed forward Jason Dickinson to a five-year contract worth $4 million per season, the team announced Monday. The deal, which carries a total value of $20 million, secures the 31-year-old centre through the 2030-31 season.
Contract Details and Role
Dickinson, who will turn 31 in July, is expected to serve as the Oilers' third-line centre for the foreseeable future. According to the Edmonton Journal's David Staples, the cap hit of $4 million is reasonable given that the average NHL salary is around $4.5 million this coming year. "If Dickinson is one of the team’s core players in that role, and he does well, he’ll be a bargain for a few years," Staples wrote.
However, the length of the contract has raised concerns. Staples noted, "After that? This contract could be painful for the team after a few years." The deal also blocks prospect Josh Samanski from moving into the third-line centre role, though Samanski could transition to a checking winger position.
Performance and Impact
Dickinson, originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the 2013 NHL Draft, has built a reputation as a reliable defensive forward. In the 2025-26 season, he recorded 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points in 72 games while averaging 15:22 of ice time per game. His strong two-way play made him a valuable asset for the Oilers, who acquired him via trade in 2023.
The signing comes as the Oilers look to maintain their competitive window after reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 2024. With Dickinson locked in, the team's forward group gains stability, but the long-term commitment carries risk as he ages into his mid-30s.
Reactions and Analysis
Fans and analysts have expressed mixed reactions. Some praise the manageable cap hit for a proven third-line centre, while others question the five-year term for a player who will be 36 at the end of the deal. The Oilers' salary cap situation remains tight, with star players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl commanding significant portions of the cap.
More details are expected to emerge as the team prepares for the upcoming season. The Oilers are also working on extensions for other key players, including defenseman Evan Bouchard.
